Events for November 2013

This exhibition features more than 20 sets of large-format images that showcase the wide range of research being conducted at the Museum as well as how various optical tools are used in scientific studies.

Inspired by the 2012 book Natural Histories: Extraordinary Rare Book Selections from the American Museum of Natural History Library, this exhibition will include reproductions from more than 20 rare and beautifully illustrated scientific works, dating from the 16th to the early 20th century.

Participants in this course will gain a better understanding of which chemicals, and at what dosages, influence brain function and when we are most vulnerable to “poisoning” ourselves; unpack current scientific research around the topic; and receive resources that can inform decisions about long-term health.

Join Raymond T. Pierrehumbert, Louis Block Professor in Geophysical Sciences at the University of Chicago, as he reviews speculations about imagined planetary atmospheres in science fiction as a hook to discuss what we know about actual planets and exoplanets—and how we know it.

Evolutionary biologist Daniel Lieberman will examine the major evolutionary transformations that have shaped the human body since we diverged from the apes, and how our bodies have further evolved and changed—for the better and the worse—since the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions.

On this Members-only tour of the Museum’s world-class invertebrate collection, Curatorial Associate for Invertebrate Zoology Christine Johnson will share with you the diverse world of poisonous insects and arachnids in the Division of Invertebrate Zoology. Ranging from the colorful lubber grasshopper to camouflaged scorpions, learn how and why invertebrate animals synthesize venom.

Launch your weekend with drinks and dancing at the most explosive party this side of the Milky Way. See and be seen under the stars as live bands, DJs, and VJs present the hottest music and project dynamic visuals at the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Cocktails keep the party going.

Comet ISON will come within just 750,000 miles of the Sun’s surface on Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 28. It might even become bright enough to be seen from Earth even in the daytime, and may go on to have a dazzling showing in December 2013, as you’ll learn in this talk by Joe Rao.